Defining Goals and Expectations: Program Leaders

Kimberly Kerstann, Ph.D. and Paula Vertino, Ph.D.

Winship Cancer InstituteEmory University

Atlanta, GA

Program Leaders: Model

• Common model to have multiple program leaders– 463 Programs listed on the Cancer Centers Branch

website - 72% have at least 2 Program Leaders• 39% Single leader• 58% Two co-leaders• 14% > Two leaders

– Co-Leaders or Primary Leader and Co-Leader

• Typically receive CCSG support for 10% effort for leaders and 5% for co-leaders.

• Variation among cancer centers as to how these individuals meet.

Program Leaders: Selection

Selection Process• Nomination by Senior Leadership team

Leader Characteristics• Outstanding Science, strong leadership skills, dedication to the

cancer center and the science and administrative abilities• Solid track record of funded cancer-relevant research, active

participation in the research program activities and collaborations, organizational and interpersonal skills.

Orientation Process• Often no standardized process for orientation of new leaders

– Generally an informal process that includes various interactions with Associate Directors

Defining the Program Leader’s Role

• Create a job description for each, often tailored specifically to program.

• Role should be distinct between Program Leaders and Co-Leaders– Some centers pair PhDs with MDs to partner the clinical and

research focus.

– Should bring complementary, but different skill sets to the table.

• Define the financial/general resources available to accomplish their job.– Average contribution of $5-10k in discretionary funds for

program meeting, journal clubs, seminars

– Examples of additional resources provided – Administrative support for seminar and retreat planning• Centralized or De-centralized

Program Leaders: Responsibilities

• Involvement in strategic planning for Program development and faculty recruitment

• Participation in center leadership meetings• Involvement in career development of junior faculty.• Conduct Program meetings and retreats• Assist with or directly review faculty applications for

membership• Provide narratives for CCSG competitive and non-

competitive renewal.

Program Leader: Authority

• None.• Hmmm. nope….still none• Really I’m not sure there is any• Why am I doing this?

Program Leader: Authority

• Could differ substantially between Matrix organizations and other models.

• Authority to assist in shaping the strategic vision of the center

• Authority to direct philanthropic and center funds on various levels

• Authority to direct program meetings and/or center seminar series

Mechanisms of Interaction and Engagement

• Senior Leadership Meetings• Program Leader Meetings• Monthly Program Meetings• Program-specific Scientific Retreat• Center-wide Scientific Symposium• Annual reviews with Director and Administration

Program Leaders: Expectations

Administration’s expectations of Program Leaders– Understand the administrative process and CCSG

guidelines– Active engagement in the cancer center– Active engagement in CCSG renewal.– Results!

• Scientific growth and productivity • Vision• Collaboration• peer-reviewed funding • highlighting of unique opportunities to the cancer center.

Program Leader for the Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Program

Paula Vertino, Ph.D.Professor of Radiation Oncology

A national leader in the field of cancer related Genetics and Epigenetics.

Actively engaged in trainee development: 16 postdocs and graduate students Director of Graduate Studies for the newly developed Cancer Biology

Program Served as co-leader of program for at least 5 years before

transitioning to role of leader. Cancer Center supports 10% effort for this role

Goals and Responsibilities

• Communicate vision of Director/ Associate Directors to membership

• Prioritize Program needs, bring to Leadership• Prioritize scientific discoveries for center support; secure

leadership buy-in• Strategic Planning (at both the Program and Center level)• Disease-specific working groups• Promote and facilitate Intra- and Inter-programmatic scientific

activities• Career Development of junior faculty• Review applications for faculty for membership• CCSG renewal!!

Mechanisms of Interaction and Engagement

• Executive Committee Meetings• Scientific Research Council Meetings• Monthly Program Meetings• Program-specific Scientific Retreat• Participate in disease-specific working

groups• Center-wide Scientific Symposium• Seed Grant Program• Program Project Pipeline Initiative

Expectations

• Program Leaders expectations of Administration– Data Collection and Management

(eg. member core usage, publications, grants)

– Financial / Administrative support– Support and/or operational guidance for strategic

advancement and prioritization of scientific initiatives

– Leave the science up to us…